Leeds United aware they face key obstacle in race for in-demand Burnley FC star | OneFootball

The Whites may have to meet a certain condition if they are to have any chance of winning the race for Brownhill.

Leeds United reportedly know they will have to secure promotion to have any chance of signing Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

Speaking to Leeds United News, Graeme Bailey's comments were made after Brownhill was linked with several teams.

Brownhill sees his contract at Turf Moor expire next summer, after having an option in his contract activated earlier this year, and it remains to be seen whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal with the Clarets.

Having spent more than four years at the club, it may be a difficult decision for the midfielder to leave the Lancashire club, if he decides that's the way forward.

However, he will surely want to compete at the highest level after shining in the Premier League before, having also played a major part in the Clarets' wonderful 2022/23 title-winning season under Vincent Kompany. He is also proving to be a valuable asset this season.

The 28-year-old would be a big loss if he ended up making a move away from Turf Moor, but with his current deal expiring in 2025, the player holds all the power over his future at this stage.

And there's no shortage of interest in his signature either, with TBR Football revealing that Brighton, Fulham and West Ham United are among the teams interested in the midfielder.

Celtic, Rangers and Leeds are also interested in the player, with the former two able to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement in January.

Fiorentina, Lazio and Torino are also thought to be keen on Brownhill, as well as clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The TBR Football report adds that the Clarets are struggling to get the player to put pen to paper on a new deal at this point, though that's hardly surprising considering the reported interest he's generating.

Bailey believes that Leeds will need to secure promotion if they even want to be in the mix to sign Brownhill, with the Whites the only second-tier team interested in his signature.

He told Leeds United News: "Josh Brownhill is a player Leeds have liked for a long time, and the fact he is out of contract next summer is something they are well aware of.

"Brownhill is having a great season in the Championship and he would really be of interest to Leeds going forward.

"Leeds know that the only way they would be in the conversation is if they get promoted, which could count against them as foreign clubs, including Celtic and Rangers, could agree a pre-contract before Leeds have the chance to make an official offer."

Leeds United could benefit from Josh Brownhill

The midfield area is one that Leeds will need to look at again this summer if they don't make many moves in January.

Ao Tanaka looks to be a good addition for the long term and the likes of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu could remain at the club for the long term.

However, Josuha Guilavogui sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and it's unclear whether he will remain at Elland Road beyond then.

Joe Rothwell is also set to depart at the end of this term, following the end of his loan stay, so bringing in someone like Brownhill could be ideal.

He can contribute in the final third and has top-tier experience under his belt already, so it would be a no-brainer to recruit him. Winning promotion is a must for them though, if they want to have the best chance of signing him.